Woman allegedly steals almost $200K from Tempe school

TEMPE - A woman was arrested after almost a year-long investigation for allegedly stealing money from the McClintock High School bookstore.

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Tempe school employee allegedly stole almost $200K - A Valley high school employee has been charged with stealing thousands of dollars from her school district.

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The Tempe Union High School District contacted Tempe police officers on August of last year saying they suspected an employee, 49-year-old Rebecca Sue Soto, was mismanaging or stealing money collected at the school.

A spokesperson from Tempe police says Soto was seen leaving the school on July 30, 2008 carrying three to four bags of money.

After a school district audit, it was discovered that about $145,000 was missing from the bookstore. Another two-year independent audit revealed that over $192,000 was actually missing from the book store account.

Police discovered Soto was living "well above her documented household income." She was taken into custody on Tuesday. She faces charges including fraudulent schemes and theft.